Portia's people hope Angela's win will bring change

Angela Brown Burke (centre) in a joyful mood as she spends time with supporters during yesterday's internal election in South West St Andrew.

Even before general secretary for the People's National Party (PNP), Julian Robinson made the official announcement, supporters of Dr Angela Brown Burke knew they had it won.

Their mood was jubilant and excitement was written across their faces.

Brown Burke polled 595 votes to defeat Audrey Smith Facey (502) in an intense race that was fought to replace Portia Simpson Miller as the PNP's standard bearer in the constituency.

Having secured victory for Brown-Burke, many of her supporters told THE STAR that they are hoping that the needs of the constituency will not fade in the shadows now that the cameras are gone.

"Starting now, its all about unity," Jody-Ann Getway said, mindful that the race to replace Simpson Miller was highly fractious.

Everybody can benefit

Getway said the majority of voters went for Brown Burke, who was endorse by Simpson Miller, because they wanted a change.

"We never want somebody weh everybody use to. We want the thing different so that everybody can benefit, not one side. Audrey still a councillor and she can serve there."

Mark Simpson was also of a similar view.

"Angela neutral and will work with everybody. You see the flair that she bring, we want it to remain just like and greater than Portia. What Mama P never do, she will have to come and do."

The constituents said that they need water and housing and a homework centre for their children.

"One set a people always a get and that run down the thing and the greater part of the constituency suffer. Once and for all, South West St Andrew, with the guidance of the former MP, can be lifted from the trenches," a man clad in a Brown Burke T-shirt told THE STAR.